HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- School districts located in or partially within Harris County saw a combined 3% decline in enrollment over the past year, according to Texas Education Agency data.

The decrease represents more than 26,000 students across the 25 districts within or touching Harris County.

While the data does not show where those students went, experts say several factors could be contributing to the shift, including declining birth rates, affordability, and families choosing alternatives to traditional public schools.